MOTORISTS have been advised that the A27 in West Sussex is likely to be closed for at least the rest of the weekend following a major plane crash at the Shoreham Airshow today.

The incident happened about 1.20pm and the road is currently closed in both directions between the A2025, near Lancing and A293, near Shoreham-by-Sea.

The emergency services, the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Highways England are continuing to work together to deal with the incident.

The road is likely to remain closed for at least the rest of the weekend while a police and AAIB investigation is carried out.

Following this, Highways England will need to carry out repairs to the damaged road. Motorists will be advised when the A27 is fully re-opened, once it is safe to do so.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible. Where they cannot, those travelling westbound are advised to exit the A27 and join the A293 south, follow A270 west, A283 south, A259 west and the A24 north.

Those travelling eastbound should exit the A27 before the closure at the A24 junction, join the A24 north towards Washington, join the A283 south and re-join the A27 following the hollow black diamond symbol.

The diversion route is in place due to the exclusion zone around the incident and drivers following it are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.